Ocean freight carriers are currently focusing on finalising their new partnership arrangements and schedules, which are due to become effective from February 1st.
We will be witnessing the biggest shake up in the carrier alliance structure for a decade, as old partnerships dissolve and new partnerships form in around 6/7 weeks time.
The main changes include the 2M alliance coming to an end, Hapag Lloyd leaving its existing arrangements to team up with Maersk and THE alliance being renamed as Premier Alliance. Which is a welcome change, as the previous name has often led to confusion.
With carriers likely to be working hard maintaining or increasing their market share when the new networks get underway, and the traditional dip in demand around Chinese New Year, this may lead to a softening of Asia ocean freight rates.
So, below is how the global carrier alliances/ networks will look from February:
Independent:
MSC*
*MSC to slot exchange with Premier Alliance on some Asia-European services and with ZIM on some transpacific.
Gemini Cooperation:
Maersk Line
Hapag Lloyd
Ocean Alliance:
CMA CGM
Cosco
Evergreen
OOCL
Premier Alliance:
HMM
ONE
Yang Ming
New schedules have been released by many carriers during recent days and as things stand, services to and from Asia look likely to continue around the Cape Of Good Hope for the foreseeable future.
